If Gilbert Arenas' Knees are Good, Washington's Playoff Hopes Are Too

You gotta admit, the Washington Wizards are doing all that they can to position Gilbert Arenas’ healthy return to the hardwood as the comeback story of the year.

He isn’t talking to anyone, which adds mystery to the drama of how productive he’ll be, how focused he’ll be, and how the Wizards, if at all, will benefit from the rebuilt Agent Zero.

The NBA had a thing for Arenas a few years back, we he became the most notable athlete blogger in all professional sports. The league had no problem marketing his candor and his swagger, especially on the heels of the Wizards transforming themselves into a legit playoff team in the Eastern Conference.

But knee problems and coaching changes have afforded Arenas and the Wizards a clean slate to paint something beautiful in the NBA Playoff picture. This is a great opportunity for Arenas and the Wizards to define comeback. The bad part is that everything the Wizards do will be wrapped up in his performance.

If he starts slow, the Wizards will probably start slow. If he gets out fast and furious, there’s a chance he could slip into his old “check out my swag” routine and the young Wiz could follow suit.

But if he stays focused, as the video above seems to communicate that he is, both he and the city may get a new lease on league-wide respect. After all, should Jason Campbell and the Washington football team be struggling in late October, all eyes will be on the return of NBA basketball.

And the return of the present and future of the Wizards franchise in Arenas.